2017 YAA Winner Mory Gould with his parents, Robin and David
Every student has a special talent and can be successful
WESTPORT, Conn. (PRWEB) November 07, 2017
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities (SKLD) is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the 2018 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award. This $1,000 award recognizes the strengths and accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities (LD) and ADHD. It will be given to a student 19 years old or younger who has demonstrated initiative, talent, and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field including art, music, science, math, athletics, or community service. Honorable Mentions will also be awarded.
The award will be presented at the organization’s Annual Gala on Friday, April 27, 2018 at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT. Transportation and hotel accommodations will be provided for the winning student and his/her parents.
In June 2012, the Award was named in honor of the late Dr. Fred Epstein, the pioneering pediatric neurosurgeon who credited his significant learning disabilities as a major factor in his success. He played an important role in talking openly with children about his own struggles and ultimate success, becoming an inspiration to children with LD.
The winner of the 2017 Award is Mory Gould of Potomac, MD, a nationally ranked diver with aspirations for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Mory is a member of the top-ranked diving team at Indiana University, where he is enrolled in the Honors College. He earned his Eagle Scout badge by creating innovative storage spaces for youth sports programs in underprivileged areas. In his acceptance speech, Mory discussed how he focuses on his accomplishments rather than his struggles with dyslexia and dysgraphia. “I believe all kids have strengths and the key is to find that strength, nurture it, and pursue it,” Mory said. “Not every student succeeds at school. But every student has a special talent and can be successful.”
Applications may be submitted by parents, teachers, coaches, mentors or students themselves. Applications may be downloaded from the SKLD website. Please submit the application and documentation by the contest deadline of January 15, 2018 to Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, 286 Indian Rock Rd., New Canaan, CT 06840. To upload your application and documentation to the cloud, email us at YAA(at)SmartKidswithLD(dot)org and we will send you a file request invitation.
For more information, contact us via email at YAA(at)SmartKidswithLD(dot)org
About Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc.
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc. is a Westport-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the parents of children with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorders (ADHD) via its educational programs, award-winning website and blog, and free e-newsletter. The organization also educates the public about these children’s gifts and talents. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy is an Honorary Board Member and Henry Winkler, Golden Globe award-winning actor, director and author, serves as the organization’s Honorary Chairman.
